GUWAHATI, April 23 - In an endeavour to provide smooth travel experience to the Railway commuters, Indian Railways has taken various initiatives for improved passenger experience during the ensuing peak summer season.
�Considering the peak season during summers, Indian Railways is poised to offer convenient travel to the passengers without upsetting their plans. To ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, a number of initiatives have been undertaken by Indian Railways,� said PJ Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Maligaon-headquartered Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) here.
He said that among the measures is finalisation of first reservation chart at least 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
�After preparation of the first reservation chart, current ticket booking facility will be provided through any reserved ticket booking window as well as on internet till preparation of second reservation chart.
Provision has also been made for transfer of vacant available accommodation after preparation of the second reservation chart to the next remote location,� Sharma said.
The official added that some facilities are also being provided online through the IRCTC website.
�Wait-listed passengers have been given the option of accommodation in any other train without payment of any difference of fare or grant of refund thereon under �Vikalp� scheme. This facility can also be availed for e-tickets booked prior to April 1. Tickets booked across reserved ticket booking window can be cancelled through IRCTC website or through phone number 139,� said Sharma.
He said that in case of e-tickets, boarding points can be changed through IRCTC website at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
�The facility of online booking of wheel chair has been provided free of cost to the deserving passengers. The facility of online booking of retiring rooms through the IRCTC website has also been introduced. Besides, disposable bedrolls can be purchased through the IRCTC website and e-catering has been introduced to increase food options available for the passengers,� said the NFR CPRO.
